Massive Smuggling Crackdown in Northeast: DRI Seizes 60,000 Kg of Illegal Areca Nuts
In a major anti-smuggling operation in Northeast India, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized nearly 60,000 kilograms of smuggled foreign-origin areca nuts during coordinated raids in Mizoram and Assam. The large-scale operation has once again exposed the growing cross-border smuggling networks operating along India’s sensitive northeastern borders.
According to officials, the raids were carried out by the DRI’s Guwahati Zonal Unit after receiving specific intelligence inputs about illegal consignments moving through the region. Preliminary investigations suggest that the dried areca nuts were smuggled into India from Myanmar through the Myanmar-Mizoram border, a route often used by smuggling syndicates.The operation became even more significant after authorities confirmed the arrest of five individuals linked to the racket. In one of the raids, the DRI was assisted by personnel from the Assam Rifles 38 Battalion, highlighting the seriousness of the operation and the increasing coordination between security and intelligence agencies.
Officials say the illegal inflow of foreign areca nuts is badly affecting domestic growers and traders, especially farmers who depend on areca nut cultivation for their livelihood. The government believes such smuggling activities not only damage the local economy but also create security concerns in border regions already vulnerable to illegal cross-border networks.
Interestingly, the crackdown comes amid a larger nationwide anti-smuggling drive being conducted by the DRI. The Ministry of Finance also revealed that enforcement agencies recently seized nearly 3 lakh banned electronic cigarettes and vapes worth around Rs 120 crore across several Indian states, including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Delhi, and West Bengal.Investigators reportedly discovered that the vape consignments were imported from China and cleverly hidden under fake labels such as “Furniture” and “Metal Chair Parts” to escape customs checks.
The back-to-back seizures have highlighted how sophisticated smuggling operations are becoming across India. Authorities say investigations are ongoing to trace the larger networks involved and identify the masterminds behind these illegal supply chains.As enforcement agencies tighten surveillance across borders, the latest operations send a strong message that India is stepping up efforts to crack down on organised smuggling and protect both economic and public security interests.
